Funeral for couple killed by gunman

Derrick Bird shot 12 people in Cumbria before killing himself
12 April 2012

The funerals of a married couple and a part-time mole catcher shot dead by Derrick Bird is due to be held.

James and Jennifer Jackson were gunned down as taxi driver Bird rampaged through west Cumbria with a shotgun and rifle beside him in his Citroen Picasso.

In all, the cabbie, under investigation for alleged tax evasion, murdered 12 people.

He later turned the gun on himself in a tranquil hamlet.

Mr Jackson, 67, was shot as he rushed to the aid of his 68-year-old wife in Wilton.

Isaac Dixon, 65, affectionately known as "Spike" because of his ability to eat lots but stay thin, was killed in nearby Haile.

He was shot dead as he stood talking to a farmer.

The funerals come after those held for rugby player Garry Purdham, retired Sellafield foreman Mike Pike, and Bird's twin David - shot in his bed and the killer's first victim.

The joint funeral for Mr and Mrs Jackson, who was the secretary of the parochial church council in Egremont, will be held at St Michael and St Mary's Church in Egremont.

Mr Dixon's funeral will also be held at the same church.

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